Maria quite simply made our birth experience one of the most magical, positive, and extraordinary experiences of our lives. Even now, three months on, talking and writing about makes me emotional in a very positive way and that is attributable to the pivotal role that Maria played. She singlehandedly made us feel safe, informed, and cared for with such warmth and compassion - we couldn't have asked for more.

I had a Caesarean Section performed at Lister Hospital and our daughter V was born. The CSection had been scheduled as a result of induction of labour not progressing in the preceding days. Maria was the midwife assigned to support us through the process. My husband and I were waiting, slightly anxiously, in one of the rooms in the Consultant Led Unit until a theatre was to become available for our procedure. It had been a long wait as an emergency had come in just as we had arrived at the Unit and the tension was building a little, especially as we weren't sure if we were going to be seen that day.

Maria came in and exuded such warmth and reassurance from the outset that it immediately lifted the sense of anxiety that had been gently building. She explained the role that she would play and we understood and really felt that she would be our "point person" in the room. We had little idea what to expect from a C-Section - I had never had any major surgical procedure before. She was so clear and calm and took care to answer any questions we had - nothing was an inconvenience or silly to ask. She was completely responsive to and focused on us.

Of course in the room, it's a busy, professional environment with many people all undertaking their technical roles. Maria played such a pivotal role in talking to us at every single moment - explaining things, checking in with us, and reassuring us. These warm words of support and encouragement at every single stage - how well we were doing, how things were ok, what to expect, not to worry... She managed to do this across this complex, busy environment meaning she anchored us through it at every single moment as we went through the stages of the epidural and the procedure getting underway. Then came the moment that our daughter was born and appeared and Maria took her and cleaned her and weighed her and did all the things that she needed to do with such tenderness and care - always telling us what was happening and involving my husband throughout those first few moments before bringing her to me and having those incredible first few moments together. She smoothly ensured my daughter latched for breastfeeding immediately in a matter of seconds (even though it turned out she had a tongue tie - we have never had any issues with feeding since). It's hard to find the words to describe it and do Maria justice in this form but she singlehandedly "made" the experience for us.

This warmth and caring continued when she came to see me in recovery and check all was well. Finally, even though she absolutely didn't need to - she found us on the ward and said goodbye the following day because she had heard that we were still there but about to go home. Even though I know it will have been the end of a really long shift. We told everyone about Maria and the difference she made whenever we described how our experience had been and I am so keen that she is recognised for this as I am sure she will do the same for others.